The right time to Increase De Beers stake: Botswana’s mines minister

Botswana’s mines minister Bogolo Kenewendo says it’s “absolutely” the right time to discuss the government increasing its 15 per cent stake in De Beers.

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

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She indicated that Anglo American, which owns the other 85 per cent of De Beers, was moving closer to an initial public offering (IPO) and that Botswana was pushing for a larger stake.

Anglo announced last week that it was likely to write down the value of De Beers from its current $7.6bn, as a result of persistent weak diamond demand, especially in China.

Botswana’s diamond, which accounts for over 70 per cent of the country’s export earnings, has been severely hit by the global slump in demand.

In the last nine months of 2024 Debswana – its 50/50 joint venture with De Beers it sold $1.53bn of rough, down 52 per cent on the same period in 2023.

Dubai Diamond Exchange Expands Board With Three New Appointment

New Board Appointments Strengthen DDE’s Expertise In Global Markets, Governance and Responsible Sourcing.

Published

10 hours ago

June 24, 2026

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The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), part of DMCC, has expanded its Board of Directors with the appointment of Neil Ventura, Weizhang Liang and Wafa Jaffery, strengthening its leadership across global diamond markets, governance and responsible sourcing.

The board will continue to be chaired by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC. The new appointments are aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading hub for the global diamond and precious stones trade.

Neil Ventura joins as Member and Secretary of the DDE Board. He brings more than 35 years of experience across mining, trading, jewellery and technology, having held senior roles at De Beers and Anglo American. He currently serves as Special Advisor to DMCC’s Precious Stones Ecosystem.

Weizhang Liang, former President of the Guangzhou Diamond Exchange and China’s Kimberley Process focal point for over 15 years, joins the board with extensive expertise in international diamond policy and the Chinese market. He also advised the UAE’s Kimberley Process Chairmanship in 2025.

Wafa Jaffery, a longstanding member of DMCC’s Precious Stones team, was elected to the Board of Directors of the World Diamond Council in 2026. She also serves on the Kimberley Process Task Force and the Responsible Jewellery Council Standards Committee.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, said:

The appointments would enhance the exchange’s ability to support the industry’s growth and evolution.

“The strength of the Dubai Diamond Exchange has always been built on the depth of expertise within DMCC’s precious stones ecosystem. These appointments reflect the calibre of leadership that DMCC has developed over many years and reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading centres for the diamond and precious stones trade.”

The DDE is the world’s largest diamond tender facility and a major marketplace for rough and polished diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls. Operating within DMCC, it provides infrastructure and trading facilities that connect miners, manufacturers, traders, financiers and retailers across the global diamond supply chain.